Martha and Mary

Today's Reflections

Martha and Mary

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Lk 10:38-42

³⁸As [Jesus and his disciples] continued their journey [Jesus] entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. ³⁹She had a sister named Mary [who] sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. ⁴⁰Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” ⁴¹The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. ⁴²There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

Reflection:

Worried about many things. What is wrong with Martha? She prepares so much for Jesus. She renders him the typical Middle Eastern hospitality. Not only is Jesus their special friend but he is also a prophetic figure among contemporaries. So hospitality for him is really welcoming a divine being, the reason for the custom.

Surely Jesus appreciates what Martha is doing. Somebody has to man the kitchen. But she has a wrong idea of service. Her motive of service for Jesus is self-gratification. Martha says, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” Thus, she projects herself as an assertive and dominating person. It is as if to make others feel guilty or ashamed of not doing anything. Her motive of service is for recognition.

Mary gives her time and attention to Jesus. She listens to him and learns as a disciple. Jesus at the time expects this Marian brand of welcome since he is approaching his passion and he has a short time left in his public ministry.

We serve not to be appreciated,

not to be noticed, not to be rewarded.

Can you do that?  Are you sensitive of people’s needs

and anticipate what they expect?